Most coins are worth their face value, but some rare ones hold extraordinary worth, making them highly desirable among collectors.
These rare finds often fetch thousands, even hundreds of thousands, at auction. Here’s a look at eight rare coins that could bring a small fortune to those lucky enough to own them.
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most sought-after coins in American history. Although 445,500 were minted, almost all were ordered to be melted, and only 13 known examples remain.
With one private collector legally holding a specimen, it’s among the rarest and priciest coins in existence. In 2021, one sold for an astonishing $18.9 million, setting a world record.
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2. 1787 Fugio Cent (Franklin Cent)
This copper coin, known as the Fugio Cent, is significant in American history. Believed to have been designed by Benjamin Franklin, its front is engraved with “Mind Your Business,” while the reverse displays “We Are One” within a circle of 13 linked rings representing the original colonies.
With auction prices ranging from $200 for lower-quality coins to $92,500 for high-grade examples, this coin is highly prized.
3. 1886-S Morgan Dollar
Morgan dollars are iconic, and valued for their silver content and historical significance. The 1886-S is especially coveted, with collectors willing to pay thousands. While a well-preserved coin can sell for around $1,300, higher-quality examples can reach up to $9,000.
Coins minted at the Carson City Mint are particularly rare, often commanding even higher prices due to their scarcity.
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4. 1895 Morgan Dollar – The ‘King of the Morgans’
Known as the “King of the Morgans,” the 1895 Morgan Dollar holds legendary status among collectors. With only 880 minted, these proof coins are incredibly rare.
In recent years, prices for these coins have consistently reached $38,000 or more, with some fetching over $100,000 at auction. The limited mintage and impeccable design make this coin a collector’s dream.
5. 1928 Peace Dollar
Another favorite among collectors is the 1928 Peace Dollar. Its appeal stems from its low mintage of 360,649, a key date that enhances its desirability. In higher grades, this coin is exceptionally valuable, marking it as one of the most treasured Peace Dollars.
6. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This penny is famous for the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, featured on the reverse. With only 484,000 minted in San Francisco, this coin is highly rare.
The coin’s value varies by color, with red versions being the most prized. Lower-grade brown versions sell for around $800, while pristine red examples in high grades can command up to $8,000.
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7. Liberty and Britannia Coin
The Liberty and Britannia coin represents a unique collaboration between the United States Mint and the United Kingdom’s Royal Mint.
Limited to only 11,000, this one-ounce gold coin combines historical value with high craftsmanship. Due to its limited mintage, initial retail prices have risen from around £2,200 ($2,800) to nearly £3,000 ($4,000), making it a prized collectible.
8. 2023 Royal Succession Gold Britannia
The 2023 Britannia coin is noteworthy due to its unexpected minting with Queen Elizabeth II’s image just before her passing. With around 20,000-30,000 coins produced in this design, its uniqueness has driven up its value, with some specimens selling for as high as $50,000.
This coin represents both a historical and a sentimental collector’s item, symbolizing the final Britannia bearing Queen Elizabeth’s likeness.
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Conclusion
While most coins won’t make you rich, certain rare finds can be worth a small fortune. Whether for historical significance, limited production, or unique designs, these coins stand out in the world of numismatics, and collectors eagerly seek them out. If you have one of these treasures, you might just be sitting on a valuable piece of history!